Hello, darling tutu lovers! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you back in time for another fabulous #TutuTuesday. This week we're waltzing back to 13th June 1995, just before the Spice Girls graced the world with their girl power. Oh, the glorious fashion choices of the nineties... Let's have a gander at what's on the menu today, shall we?
Flashback to the 90s!
- Sigh. Remember grunge? Fanny packs? *NSYNC? It was the time when the world embraced anything and everything in between, from baggy jeans and slip dresses to - you guessed it! - ballet!
We’re not just talking about classic tutus; ballet in 1995 was all about breaking the mould. Remember Dangerous Liaisons and The Swan Lake at Sadler's Wells? Or Giselle at the Royal Opera House? Such extravaganzas of movement and performance. They've always held a special place in my heart, even though I wouldn't be able to have seen them back then! (A secret, I’ll admit - I’m a little time traveller in disguise! It’s a passion of mine - travelling in my pink tutu and watching dance shows - what else could I ask for?). It takes a little creativity with the whole ballet funding situation. (Sometimes my tutu-related shopping spree budget takes a hit - but let’s face it, if I can’t look glamorous, then who can?!)
But enough about my little travel secret... back to 1995...
Back in 1995, it seemed that London, New York and Paris - oh la la! - were the world's hotbeds of tutu fever. From ballet classes at every turn, to the street-style embracing of all things tutuesque. It's like those amazing tutus came out of nowhere! As they often do... The truth is, it’s all just fashion - like a lovely and ethereal bloom waiting to explode with style... and that's precisely what the 90s delivered! The time of the ‘tutu trend’.
I’ve had some incredible journeys in my trusty pink tutu! (I wouldn’t dream of changing, honestly, I think it might offend some lovely fairyfolk who do enjoy tutus…). Some memorable moments: the shimmering tutus on the girls in New York. And who could forget Paris, home of the world-class ballet, and its very own ballet-chic style! Let’s not forget London; just a quick jump from Derbyshire, my hometown (yes, you could call it home if it’s a mere time jump away from London and home) I’ve witnessed many wonderful shows in London - not to mention the shops. Tutues galore...
But hey, who cares about what I think - let’s rewind back to June 13th, 1995, shall we?
June 13th, 1995: The World of Tutus
So, what’s going on on that beautiful summer day?
- Dance Performances: There would be ballet classes, dance studios, and theatres abuzz with passionate souls like myself.
- Ballet Performances: We could easily see world-class companies like the Royal Ballet gracing the stages of the world. They had to have had something going on back then... I bet it would have been amazing, oh darling…
- Fashion Trend: Think bright colours and playful pieces, darling, combined with elegant femininity, and - what’s the big one here?! - tutus! There was such an abundance of tutu magic. You’ll never know…
- Newspapers and Magazines: Expect the dance and arts sections of national newspapers and fashion magazines to showcase the latest ballet trends and reviews. It was a time when the artistic side of things really shined.
- Shopping - If you are talking about London... you are talking about an eclectic mix of fashion shops and ballet wear... tutues were a necessity, really. Oh! I can hear the ballet fairies applauding this sentiment right now...
So, imagine if you will, being transported back to 1995, with all the wonderful magic of tutus and dance that the era had to offer.
A Peek at the Fashion World:
Okay, fashion lovers, time to really dig into the fabulous tutu-laden fashion scene of the 90s. In a nutshell, it was all about taking ballet’s grace and adding a modern twist:
- Slip Dresses with Tutus: Think the ‘little black dress’, but a much softer, flowing fabric. That slip dress look with an elegant tutu? Divine. Just what a stylish lady needs!
- Layering: Layer up your ballet-inspired tulle over tops or dresses – that would give any vintage style a delightful spin. So pretty! And let’s not forget all those sequins - they love being part of the mix!
- Tulle Skirts: Forget those ‘I love NY’ style tutu things; you'd want a romantic, vintage tulle skirt with a flowy silhouette! Just gorgeous!
- Footwear: Ballet shoes - the real ones... yes! I’m looking at you! Pointe shoes, block heels or elegant flats, any would be an adorable companion to that oh-so-fabulous pink tutu. It's almost too perfect.
- Accessories: Keep the delicate touch going. Delicate jewellery – like pearls. Oh how beautiful those little sparkling beauties are!
Oh, and you just had to accessorize those gorgeous ballet looks: Think floral patterns, romantic hairstyles and - if you are feeling bold, which I totally encourage, some bright makeup. (Bold is always beautiful).
Pink! (I'm almost expecting the tutu fairies to make an appearance...)
It's been a bit of a marathon so far, I know. But you *know how much I love pink! A Tutu Tuesday wouldn't be complete without an extra bit of pink magic. The truth is, pink was super popular in the 90s... well everything is so cute in pink, no? But back in the 90s? Heaven for pink tutus, and we are here to spread that love! I just know you will adore all things pink tutus like I do... It’s almost magic. I love everything about that pink hue! It truly embodies the magic of all things pink!
Tutu Time for YOU
Here’s how you can channel that glorious 90s ballet fever, darling! (Just don't forget your pink tutu, though…)
- Dress for The Occasion: Embrace that vintage aesthetic! Layer your favourite pieces. It is just the perfect thing, if you’re feeling a bit creative with your styling!
- Go to a Show: Why not pop to the theatre or ballet studios to be swept away by an amazing performance? (Of course, the Ballet Fairy-godmother will guide you - it's the ballet gods in my life that help me find the perfect show to support…*.)
- Class It Up: Fancy yourself a real dancer? Join a ballet class! Trust me, it’ll be a fab experience and it’s always wonderful to keep yourself looking and feeling graceful! You know I love the ballet... (and don’t forget to bring your pink tutu!)
- Shop Till You Drop: Time to unleash your inner fashionista! Look out for classic slip dresses, romantic tulle skirts and - most importantly! - gorgeous pink tutus, to match my exquisite style...
Ballet History
Now, let’s not just ramble about pink and tutu-chic... For the final, and very important, segment, here is a quick and fascinating glance into tutu history. It’s always interesting to have a bit of history, yes?
Originating In Ballet: Let’s face it; it was a bit of a fashion revolution. In the late 18th Century - when a certain Parisian ballerina named Marie Camargo decided that those large hoop skirts were too much fuss... They were pretty, but how was she supposed to kick and leap in those?!? A problem for the dancers of the day... So they invented a fashion trend! They cut the skirts down to create an ensemble that wouldn’t impede a ballerina’s graceful moves.
Early Days of The Tutu: So basically - it began to revolutionise women’s dance fashion, becoming the must-have piece for dancers in the 1830s. Think of all those romantic-style ballet stories... we have so much to thank Marie Camargo for. What an innovative spirit she was!
A Dance of Innovation: It’s easy to get caught up in modern fashion... but don’t underestimate the importance of that elegant Tutu. Ballet has had quite the influence - on stage and off it! It inspired those fashionable 90s trends, It's like a bridge between fashion history and something utterly modern.
Tutus And Ballet: We can’t forget the real star - the tutu - in a Ballet story, it’s almost like its ‘magic* makes the performance come alive… I bet it feels as exciting and magical as it looks.
So, there we have it, dear readers! Our journey into 13th June 1995 is coming to a graceful end. Remember, embrace those stylish 90s fashion trends and let those fabulous tutus shine!
I hope this trip down memory lane inspired you, my fabulous friends! Until next week, don’t forget to keep shining!
Until next #TutuTuesday, let’s get fabulous,
Emma x www.pink-tutu.com
Post No: 8529
